US-based consultancy Point B has picked up real estate expert Maureen Waters from Bill Gates Investments to act as Principal in its Property Development business. In the new role, Waters take responsibility of further growing the business, both in terms of client footprint as well as though leadership.

Prior to joining Point B, Maureen Waters was the Head of Real Estate and Asset Management at Bill Gates Investments (BGI) for more than two years. Previous to that, Waters worked at Cushman & Wakefield from 1998 until 2013, holding various positions at the international real estate giant. In her most recent role she was the firm’s Executive Vice President of Brokerage for more than two years, prior to which she held the roles of Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Marketing Officer over a period of three years. Earlier roles at the firm include that of Executive Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer, between 2005 and 2008, Senior Managing Director and Head of Business Development, between 2000 and 2005, and Managing Director of Business Development for the New York Region, from 1998 until 2000.

Waters holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Saint Thomas and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Fordham University – Graduate School of Business. In addition, she currently serves as a National Board Member for Girls, as well as having won a number of awards related to supporting professional women, including Real Estate Forum’s Women of Influence and the Academy of Women Achievers Award from the YWCA of New York City.

The recent announcement will see Waters take on the role of Principal in Point B’s Property Development business. In the role, which will see her leverage her more than 20 years of real estate experience, Waters is responsible for supporting the firm grow its practice to be a “leader in the field of integrated programme development services to owners/investors and users of commercial real estate”, says Point B Chief Executive Officer Mike Pongon.

“Maureen’s extensive real estate experience, industry track record and reputation for delivering strategic impact to local, national and global owners/investors and occupiers, makes her a unique addition to our Property Development team,” says Pongon. “Her diverse background brings an additional layer of expertise to our business, and will help deliver successful strategic property development programs for our customers and development partners.”

“Maureen brings more than two decades of real estate experience to our team,” adds Point B Property Development Founder and Practice Director Matt Hargis. “Her expertise spans real estate development, leasing, strategy, business development and operations across a variety of industry groups.”